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Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Lengthening the Leash

I have a parenting theory; I never do for a child what that child can do for himself. For the past few months I've given my three-year-old daughter my library card and stood a few feet behind her while she checks out her books at the desk in the children's section of the library. This morning I decided to take it a step further. I was out of sight of the desk, yet my daughter was ready to check out her books. I gave her my card and told her to go check out her books (I did tell her to make sure she got her "ticket" receipt so I would know she completed her mission.) She took the card and confidently strode off in the direction of the check out desk.

My little daughter was positively beaming from ear to ear when she returned from her little errand! She then trotted off happily to an area of the library where older kids (elementary aged usually) sit and read. I guess she thought if she was old enough to check out her own library books without mommy right behind her she was old enough to sit where the big kids sit! :)

3 comments:

This is a wonderful way to give your daughter confidence. Keep it up as she grows older. I taught both my boys to do laundry when they were 12 years old and when my oldest went to college he called me and said "Mom, do you know how many guys have no idea how to do laundry? I've had to show a ton of them what to do!" He was amazed that more parents didn't teach the boys how to do laundry - and so was I!

It's so exciting to see how well the kids do as they grow up! My friends are all amazed that we homeschool, and the kids cook, clean, babysit, and take charge of their own schoolwork. :) And do laundry! They are 8 and 10.

I've taken them to work with me and let them shred documents for me. It's great!

About Me

I am a Christian, wife and mother to four kids. I love fancy coffee, Pepsi and baked goods. I also love to do crafty things. My current project is quilting, but I'm also dabbling in making other baby items!
I'm married to Jim and we have four kidlets. Evan (11), Aidan (8), Toby (6) and the pink caboose is Avery who is four.